My Thanksgiving Plans.

Thanksgiving looms on the horizon of next week and I have just made my plans. Last year, I ended up at Johnny's house, drunk in his hot-tub, wondering if I was actually going to work the day after the holiday. (I did. The office was nearly empty and those of us who were there left early.) I got an invitation to go to Johnny's again, this year, but I probably won't go. As I get older, that crowd of people keeps evolving and I know fewer and fewer people there, the longer I go to parties at Johnny's house.

This year, I intentionally avoided going home for holiday because I thought I would have a paid improv gig for Friday evening. But that gig went to a stand-up comedian instead. So, there is really no reason to NOT go home for the weekend.

Last night, though, while working late in the office, my boss invited me to celebrate the holiday with her and her husband (my other boss). I think I am going to accept the invitation. I've worked for them for a year now and I can already feel the edges of this professional relationship failing under the pressure of my genuine respect and admiration for them both. I wonder about how they will both react to having me around, in their home, for a few hours and through a sit-down dinner. I guess I'll find out, because I am going to accept the invitation. I'm going to make sure that I don't overstay my welcome. And of course, I'll bring a desert to contribute to the meal.

One of my two bosses is leaving her position at the theater (after 30+ years!) It's going to be hard to adjust to life without her, both good and bad. I don't know if she'll be around the theater to give me an invitation to thanksgiving, so I'm taking this chance now, while I can.

I won't be in a hot-tub, trying to talk two sexy, drunk, 20-something girls into kissing each other like I did last year, but I bet I am handed a snifter of good scotch and told some really wonderful Chicago theater stories. I am looking forward to that.

Do yourself a favor and spend your Thanksgiving with your family. Maybe your biological family. But it doesn't have to be. You could certainly spend time with your "city family" or at one of the many Orphan's Dinners. Just be sure to be with friends, wherever you are. People you appreciate, who appreciate you. Eat well. Enjoy good conversation. Good for the body. Good for the soul. That's something to be thankful for.

Cheers,
COB